He died too young of what has been reported as Diabetes by music leader www.Beatport.com which can be managed and which is taking the lives of so many in our and many other communities.

Let’s take today to rejoice in his life and tomorrow to celebrate his legacy. We should also take a moment to focus on our own health.

A number of health oriented events are coming Harlem’s way including some focussed on Diabetes. Please see the list below and take a moment to attend, if not for you, then for your friends and families.

But before you do that, take a moment to enjoy the iconic Frankie Knuckles, who will truly be missed.

*** Frankie Forever ***

A Sampling of Hits

What Inspired Him

Important Health Events

WHAT: Understanding Diabetes Medication
WHEN: Tuesday, April 29, 2014
4:00 pm through 5:30 pm
DETAILS: Do you know how your diabetes medication works? Do you know when to take it, how much to take and possible side effects? To help you make the most of your treatment, join us in learning:
· What is diabetes?
· Why is it important to control blood sugar levels?
· Meal Planning
· What lifestyle changes can help?
· What drugs are used to treat diabetes?
· What should I watch for when taking these drugs?
RSVP: 866-469-0999

WHAT: Eating for Health
WHEN: Tuesday, April 8, 2014; and Tuesday, April 22, 2014;
5:30 pm through 6:30 pm
DETAILS: Learn the benefits of eating for your health, especially if you are dealing with a chronic illness or condition. You will also discover how to eat right while still enjoying your meals.
Topics will include:

• Healthier versions of popular ethnic recipes (with recipe handouts)

• Healthy eating on a budget

• How to read food labels (can I eat it?)

· Fun and interactive cooking demos

RSVP: 866-469-0999

WHAT: Walk Away the Pounds
WHEN: Monday, April 7, 2014; Friday, April 11, 2014; Monday, April 14, 2014; Friday, April 18, 2014; Monday, April 21, 2014; and Monday, April 28, 2014
11:00 am through 12:00 pm
DETAILS: Join us for a fun walk-in-place workout! No complicated steps and no equipment needed. This DVD workout is safe for all ages and fitness levels, so lace up your walking shoes and join us!

Wear comfortable shoes and workout wear. We’ll provide plenty of water. We’ll ask you to fill out an emergency form on the first day of class. Be sure to let your doctor know you’ll be taking part in an exercise class.

A public service message from HarlemCondoLife.com. Please share this with friends, family neighbors whether or not they live in Harlem.

More than six million people have enrolled since October 1.1 Tens of millions more have seen other benefits like being able to stay on their parents’ plan or get covered with a pre-existing condition. The percentage of Americans without health insurance is the lowest it’s been in five years.2In other words: it’s working.

MoveOn members fought our hearts out to get the Affordable Care Act passed as a step closer to quality, affordable health care for every American, and we continue to fight to make sure it gets fully implemented. That’s why we’re aggressively campaigning to expand Medicaid in the more than 20 red states that refuse to do so, leaving millions more Americans without affordable health care.

But in the meantime, there’s still time to make sure that your friends and family who don’t have health insurance sign up for Obamacare.

With the recent trend of vegan restaurants opening coast to coast from New York to LA, it was only a matter of time before Harlem was next on the list. Seasoned Vegan Harlem’s first full service vegan restaurant is now opened for business. Seasoned Vegan is a family business owned by mother and son, Brenda and Aaron Beener specializing in gourmet vegan food. They give typical Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean and American dishes a vegan, home cooked, soulful twist.

Vegan cooking has become sort of an art form for certain chefs. If the largely successful “Blossom” located on the Upper West Side is any indication of things to come, we will be seeing more and more vegan restaurants. When I first dined at Blossom with my sister who has been a vegan for 10 years, I was skeptical. After trying it I was blown away at how surprisingly flavorful and good it was.

Harlem’s Seasoned Vegan write on their website “The food you love, veganized”. Great slogan! I am anxious to try this new place out to see for myself. For those who may not be aware of what vegan food is, check out this brief write up about it: What is VEGAN. As I mentioned earlier one of my sisters is a vegan and before that was a vegetarian so I have been privileged to some pretty good homemade meals over the years. Along with plenty of gentle lecturing on why I should not eat bacon or steak, dairy etc., or any animal products for that matter. Even though I haven’t changed my ways yet, I understand and admire the vegan way and applaud it. You do not have to be a vegan to eat and enjoy vegan food. It is for everyone and I will say that you feel so healthy after having a good vegan dinner.

By the looks of Seasoned Vegans dishes and desserts I imagine they will draw a nice crowd of loyal customers as well as curious new ones. I am looking forward to visiting them for dinner very soon. We are so fortunate to have such a diverse and specialized selection of restaurants and businesses here in Harlem.

While the City is cold and mired in snow, now is the time to ask for what Harlem deserves, so there’s a chance Harlem will have it to enjoy as soon as possible, ideally by this Spring.

The Citibike program has been largely hailed as a huge success, and plans are in place for its expansion.

New York Magazine reported though, that the new stations “are planned for the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Park Slope, and Cobble Hill”.

The article points out that the planned expansion “does nothing to fight the perception — and stats — that contend the program is catering only to well-off white people.”

The expansion of the Citibike program into less affluent areas will mean greater access to the city annual costs of a metrocard start at over $1,300, which would mean greater access to opportunities.

Harlemites pay the same taxes on sales, income, and property, but we are always the last to benefit when the city prospers, and while Harlem is enjoying something of a renaissance, the City, in this case the NYC Department of Transportation, can help Harlem help itself by supporting the infrastructure of our Manhattan neighborhood.

Harlem is home to many students, recent college graduates, and others just starting out in the city. A bike share program would boom amongst them. This is especially true given the emergence of Harlem’s Educational Hub in Manhattanville.

The petition needs the support of Polly Trottenberg, Dept. of Transportation, Commissioner for the New York City Department of Transportation; Henrietta Lyle, Chairman for CB10; Andrew Lassalle, Assistant District Manager; Seth Solomon, Press Secretary at NYC Department of Transportation.